Homeless Services

Helping people move from the streets to independence

The Downtown Services Center (DSC) is a comprehensive drop-in facility for homeless people. Each of the partner providers, including government agencies as well as non-profit organizations, has committed to extend services from their organization on a regular basis to DSC clients. Partner providers offer services including job training, addiction recovery, meals, medical treatment, legal services, shower and laundry facilities and a satellite office of the Department of Employment Services that operates 40 hours each week. More than 20 partner providers offer an array of services.

The Downtown SAM teams are trained to work with the different people they come on contact with on the streets. Three Outreach Workers are in daily contact with the people living on the streets of the Downtown area, working to build relationships and trust in the hope of helping to connect them with the continuum of services to move off the street. If there is someone you are concerned about, call our outreach line at 202-253-0951 (cell phone).

We are establishing a pilot program to educate the community about the issues of panhandling. This program includes suggestions on alternative responses to giving money to those begging on the street, and how to effectively contribute to solving the problem. Call Chet Grey at 202-661-7575 for more information.

This Street Information Card shows where to find shelter, meals, clothing, health care, and legal services. Download the card (PDF, 284 KB) to print and give to a person on the street, or request printed copies by email.